FVC Faves: Dental Care Products to Protect Your Pet’s Smile
Cat and Dog Dental Care
In continued recognition of National Pet Dental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Rachel Hill and the entire FVC Care Team are excited to share some of our favorite oral hygiene products to keep your cat or dog feeling their best. This post will focus on a variety of options for building an at-home dental care routine that fits your pet’s individual temperament. We’ll also include links to purchase these products through our clinic’s online pharmacy, which offers competitive pricing and ships right to your doorstep. To order through our online pharmacy, your pet must be an established patient of Dr. Hill at Fayetteville Veterinary Care.
Fun Fact: a good rule of thumb when choosing dental products for your pet is to look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance. Products with this seal have been scientifically tested and proven to help reduce plaque and/or tartar, which can lower the risk and severity of periodontal disease. To learn more about the VOHC and approved products, visit vohc.org.
Toothbrushing Essentials
Brushing your pet’s teeth is the gold standard for at-home dental care. Daily brushing is ideal, but consistency matters most, so even brushing 2–3 times per week is a great start. Begin slowly by gently rubbing your finger or a soft cloth along the outer surfaces of your dog or cat’s teeth for just 30–60 seconds at a time. Be sure to use plenty of praise, pets, and treats to keep the experience positive. As your pet becomes more comfortable, you can gradually work up to brushing the teeth and gums using a pet toothbrush, finger brush, or oral wipes. Always use toothpaste made specifically for pets, as human toothpaste is not safe for them.
When it comes to toothpaste, we recommend the C.E.T Enzymatic Toothpaste. Many dogs and cats love the poultry flavor, which can make brushing time easier and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Dental Wipes
Some pets may prefer dental wipes over brushing because it can be gentler and less stressful, especially for pets who are new to dental routines or have sensitive mouths.
Visit Fayetteville Veterinary Care at 1575 W. Van Asche Drive to prioritize your dog's oral health. Stop by to learn more about effective over-the-counter dental solutions, including Maxi/Guard Pet Dental Wipes, and keep your pet’s smile bright!
Dental Diets
If your pet does not tolerate tooth brushing, dental diets are a great tool. The science behind veterinary prescription dental diets is based on a dual-action approach to managing plaque and tartar.
Mechanical Action (The Kibble Structure) - Dental diet kibble is larger than regular food to encourage chewing instead of swallowing whole. As the tooth sinks in, the fibrous structure gently scrubs the tooth surface like a toothbrush, helping remove plaque before it hardens into tartar.
Chemical Action (The Additives) - Dental diet foods also contain specific chemical ingredients that work with your pet’s saliva to help reduce tartar formation throughout the entire mouth, not just on chewing surfaces. Common ingredients like Sodium Hexametaphosphate (SHMP) bind to calcium in the saliva, helping prevent plaque from hardening into tartar.
When it comes to dental diet foods, we’re big fans of Hill’s Science Diet and Purina Pro Plan.
Hill’s Science Diet
Purina Pro Plan
With Purina Pro Plan Vet Direct, food is delivered straight to your home with free shipping on all orders. Click here to register with FVC on Pro Plan Vet Direct.
For our canine companions, click here to shop Purina Pro Plan DH Dental Health Dry Dog Food.
For our feline friends, click here to shop Purina Pro Plan DH Dental Health Dry Cat Food.
Don’t forget to click here to check out Pro Plan Vet Direct February and March 2026 promotions to save on dental diets and other supplements!
Dental Treats
Dental treats are a great addition to supplement your pet’s at-home oral hygiene routine. They function much like dental diets, with a unique structure and special ingredients to freshen breath and reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
With the right combination of brushing, wipes, dental diets, and treats, you can build an oral hygiene routine that fits your pet’s personality and helps prevent dental disease. Explore these recommended products through our FVC online pharmacy or Purina Vet Direct, and give your pet a healthier, happier smile!
Score big at our 1st ever FVC Community Event
Don’t miss this opportunity to Meet the Fayetteville Veterinary Care Team at our March 14, 2026 Open House! Mark your calendar for FREE goodies, including Purina-sponsored dental products and pet-parent swag like bandanas, leashes, lanyards, poop bag dispensers, sling packs, golf umbrellas and more! Plus, thanks to our friends at Boehringer Ingelheim, we’ll be giving away dental treats and other promotional merch!
Tour the brand new state-of-the-art FVC small animal hospital and leave with Hill’s-sponsored dental products for your cat or dog. Stay tuned for a special “Hill’s Grand Prize” featuring one of their specialty Science Diet formulas. We’ll also have giveaway freebies from Virbac, including dental kits and treats for your fur-baby. Connect with us for updates on more generous offers from all our partners. We promise you do not want to miss it!

